Metronet Level Crossing Removal Design for Kelmscott Road Revealed

The State Government has revealed the design for the first Metronet level crossing removal project.

The project has been slated for Denny Avenue in Kelmscott, a 170 metre road that has been considered to be WA’s most dangerous in RAC’s Risky Roads survey in 2017.

An underpass and elevated rail line at the parallel Davis Road will be the government’s preferred solution to remove the level crossing.

The 170 metre road has seen 154 crashes in five years.

“Denny Avenue is the most dangerous level crossing on our rail network and it drives locals mad,” Premier Mark McGowan.

“It’s been talked about for years, and now we’ve got on with the job of providing the solution and the funding to finally fix this problem and eliminate the risk of accidents between trains and cars.”

Mr McGowan said the project had benefits as part of the Metronet project.

“This is another Metronet state election commitment being delivered. One that will improve safety the town centre and provide a boost to local jobs during construction,” he said.

The project is the first of four level crossings that would be removed in the first stage of Metronet.

Federal Urban Infrastructure and Cities Minister Paul Fletcher said there would be improved traffic connections between Albany Highway, major retail precincts, schools, community services and transport.

“The new east-west road connection at Davis Road will require the rail line to be elevated slightly in this area to accommodate the underpass,” Mr Fletcher said.

“A shared path will be built alongside the railway to provide safe pedestrian and cycling connections in the community.”

Along with Denny Avenue, the 2018-19 State Budget also included funding to begin planning for the removal of three other level crossings as priority projects, involving Caledonian Avenue in Maylands, Oats Street in Carlisle and Wharf Street in Cannington.

Mr Fletcher said the project was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to improve safety and congestion.

“This includes $3.2 billion in the 2018 Budget for major projects, including Metronet, expected to generate over 20,000 jobs across the state,” he said.

The Federal Government has committed $49.6 million toward the $69 million project with the State Government.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said it was a “revitalisation project around Kelmscott Station” that would fix traffic issues involving the road.

“It is a major connection for communities such as Clifton Hills and Roleystone to the local high school. For decades this level crossing has been an issue, and I recall the challenges of crossing it when I travelled to Kelmscott Senior High School from Roleystone,” she said.

“It also aligns with the long-held vision to improve the overall community amenity and streetscape of the Kelmscott town centre.”

Federal Member for Hasluck Ken Wyatt said a number of improvements will be made to the town centre.

“The Davis Road option offers the best solution for train and road operations, public safety, community outcomes and cost, and was chosen following thorough analysis with stakeholders,” he said.

“Tenders for construction will be released in the coming months, with detailed design and construction to commence shortly after the awarding of the contract next year.”